Kenya will impose higher taxes on furniture imports as the government pushes manufacturers to use domestic materials and labor. President William Ruto said on Monday that purchasers of foreign beds, tables and doors will face steep financial penalties under the new policy.
Ruto spoke at a technical college in Nakuru County and questioned why citizens buy basic household items from other nations when local workers possess manufacturing skills. The administration wants to establish a complete production system using timber harvested within the country. Cabinet officials received instructions to end furniture purchases from China and Europe.
Government statistics show furniture imports climbed to 8.69 billion shillings in the nine months through March 2024, up 13.1 percent from the previous year. Authorities raised import duties to 45 percent and added a 30 percent excise tax in 2023, yet foreign products continue to enter the market.
Domestic producers face obstacles due to high production costs and competition from cheaper Asian goods. Ruto stated the measures will generate employment opportunities for carpenters and technical students across the nation.
Ruto spoke at a technical college in Nakuru County and questioned why citizens buy basic household items from other nations when local workers possess manufacturing skills. The administration wants to establish a complete production system using timber harvested within the country. Cabinet officials received instructions to end furniture purchases from China and Europe.
Government statistics show furniture imports climbed to 8.69 billion shillings in the nine months through March 2024, up 13.1 percent from the previous year. Authorities raised import duties to 45 percent and added a 30 percent excise tax in 2023, yet foreign products continue to enter the market.
Domestic producers face obstacles due to high production costs and competition from cheaper Asian goods. Ruto stated the measures will generate employment opportunities for carpenters and technical students across the nation.
